Just picked up the Alinco DJ-X11 with my refund from the taxman. I had been struggling with the Yaesu VR-500 just to hear aero in my area. I took a risk and the price for the Alinco was reasonable.
Memory programming: fairly easy if you don't want to use alpha labels, but the software is straightforward windows 95 era interface, tabbed. Also: it's FREE from Alinco, providing you have a cable to use it with...
Bonus: as a linux enthusiast, getting the software to work under wine was very easy. The manual is cryptic as they all seem to be these days (yet not as bad as was the Yaesu).
The cost of programming cable stung (proprietary USB cable, but mods for standard USB cables that work, are available on the internet; I was just not patient enough to cobble one together.)
The audio IS very good compared to what I could hear on the VR-500, I tried several replacement duckies for that one, and no improvement.
On the DJ-X11, both the ducky and my extended radioshack mag mount antenna that I had lying around, pick up quite well.
I have only played with on HF in a limited fashion but hope to set it up to hear EAMs now and then.
As mentioned the charger, LI-ION pack and alkaline battery cartridge came included, so for ~$319 I felt it sweetened the deal, and offset the pain of having to buy a proprietary cable.
The build quality of the radio feels VERY durable; the charger is a bit light and easy to pull without the radio in it, but it holds the radio at a very nice viewing angle.
Have not yet tried the IQ data output, but as I'm an SDR enthusiast, this is on my list.
I still drool for the R20 mind you, but I've had to pay repairs a few times on ICOMs after near field lightning strikes over the years (IC-R1500/R75 - long story, life lessons, etc) and wanted to give Alinco a try.
I am but a humble Dxer, but am very pleased with this radio thus far.